Explain how prostaglandins play a role in causing the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

What will be an ideal response?


Answer: Prostaglandins play a role in causing pain and inflammation. There are two types of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX): COX-1 is involved in a process that continually produces prostaglandins that protect the mucous membranes in the stomach. COX-2 is activated when there is tissue damage, and it converts arachidonic acid (a fatty acid) into prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation. Lipoxygenase (LOX) is an enzyme that uses a different pathway; it activates an oxidation chemical reaction to change arachidonic acid into prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation and into other substances that directly damage cartilage and produce inflammation.

Health & Biomechanics

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Fill in the blank(s) with correct word

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